(Geneva–April 30, 2013) The case of the imprisoned nephew of blind legal activist Chen Guangcheng, who has been tortured and now is suffering appendicitis for which prison authorities refuse to provide proper medical treatment, has been submitted to the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture.

Jared Gensor, founder of Freedom Now, a U.S. advocacy group for prisoners of conscience, submitted the appeal for Chen Kegui on Monday (April 29). The nine-page urgent appeal, including a New York Times news report and a Washington Post opinion piece co-written by Chen Guangcheng, carefully documents what Chen Kegui has been through in the year since is uncle’s dramatic escape from brutal extra-judicial house arrest.

"In addition to the severe beatings suffered by ... Kegui, the government continues to subject him to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment that may amount to torture through the denial of urgently needed medical treatment. In light of the life-threatening nature of Chen Kegui’s illness, the denial of adequate medical treatment in this case presents an urgent threat to his wellbeing," Gensor wrote.

"The denial of medical treatment in this case comes at a time when authorities in the People’s Republic of China are increasing the pressure against other members of Chen Kegui’s family. As the anniversary of Chen Kegui’s arrest approached, police arrested and interrogated his mother and another uncle," he added.

"Bob Fu has dedicated his life to bringing freedom of religion to the Chinese people. His story is a testimony to the power of faith and an inspiration to people struggling to break free from oppression." —Mrs. Laura Bush